Abstract
Pediatric oral health is an essential component of overall child health, influencing systemic well-being, growth, nutrition, emotional development, and quality of life. Untreated oral diseases can contribute to chronic inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, impaired concentration, and increased healthcare needs, while poor oral health habits established in childhood may persist into adulthood.
This presentation explores the oral-systemic health connection through current evidence and clinical cases. Participants will examine the mechanisms linking pediatric oral disease to systemic health, identify clinical warning signs, and explore evidence-based strategies for risk assessment, prevention, early diagnosis, minimally invasive management, and family-centred care. Emphasizing multidisciplinary collaboration, the session provides practical approaches to integrating oral health into comprehensive pediatric care and promoting lifelong health and well-being.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the relationship between pediatric oral health and systemic health, and its impact on child development and well-being.
- Identify the clinical manifestations and risk factors of pediatric oral diseases associated with systemic and psychosocial consequences.
- Recognize the psychosocial impact of oral health conditions on children's development and well-being.
- Discuss the economic burden associated with untreated dental issues in children.
- Analyze case studies demonstrating the outcomes of untreated oral health issues in children and the benefits of timely treatment.
